Transit strike hovers - Durham College and UOIT

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6 The Chronicle October 3, 2006 New health centre By Marilyn Gray Chronicle Staff Th e campus health centre is expanding and is expected to be open by next summer. Th e new health centre will be in the same building as the new athletic centre. Students voted in favour of the $14-million joint project in a referendum last year. Th e athletic and health centre is being paid for mainly by increased student fees, included in tuition. “Th e construction’s on track. . . costs are still in line, people have not gone over budget,” said Katherine Lazenby, director of Campus Health and Counselling Services. Th e current health centre has only two examination rooms for physicians. Th e new centre will have 12 examination rooms. “We’ll probably increase the number of physicians we have,” said Lazenby. In addition to more examination rooms, the new centre will have an on-site pharmacy and a lab with proper equipment for processing blood and urine samples. Th ere will be one treatment room with an exit to the parking lot for easy access to an ambulance. “It alarms people when they see that,” said Lazenby. Alternative health services will be added to the list of services the campus health centre off ers. Th e new centre will employ a chiropractor, a masseuse, a naturopathic doctor, a nutritionist and a chiropodist or foot doctor. Th e Student Association is currently looking into expanding the student health plan to include alternative health services. “All of the services will hopefully be aligned with changes that are coming with the student drug plan,” said Lazenby. Currently, none of the above mentioned alternative health services are covered under the student health plan. Th e larger facilities will also allow the campus health centre to take on more students for placements and work study jobs. “Right now we’re very small and we’re always asked to take students for placement,” said Lazenby. “We’ll have areas for work study . . . and students with medical placement in their programs.” Due to the local family doctor shortage, “we still had students coming back to use the student health centre as their family doctor,” said Lazenby. “I think there is a need for the expanded health services.” Th e health centre and athletic centre will share the same entrance and expect to be open in June 2007. CAMPUS NEWS SELF-SERVE: The job board, located outside of room B205, is just one of the many services students can use on campus to enrich their post-secondary experience. Serving up some fresh services for students New resources accessible on campus By Pavan Sandhu Chronicle Staff Television might have its fall lineup, but the college has its own version. Th ere are many new clubs and services premiering this year on campus. Melissa Bosomworth is the new fi rst year experience co-ordinator in the Student Life department. “My role is to bring the services that we have on campus, and make a one-stop location,” said Bosomworth. “Th e students can fi nd information about what is available to them or where they can go if they have questions.” “Our department also looks at orientation for both the college and university. We collaborate with other departments to raise awareness about what is going on around campus,” she said. Bosomworth created the brochures, the student handbooks and the magnetic calendars that were handed out to the fi rst-year students at orientation. She is also in charge of web resources and information for parents. “First generation students may not have someone to tell them what to do and where to go. We are looking to make resources targeted towards them,” said Tara Blackburn, director of Career and Employment Services and Student Life. Student Life Offi ce organizes orientation activities for the college and university. “We recruit student leaders and volunteers who welcome new students on campus,” said Blackburn. “Recruitment for next year’s student leaders starts in October.” Th e Learner Support Centre has a new ESL specialist, Nicky Patel. Workshops and sessions for students with English as a second language will teach proper pronunciation, grammar and fl uency development. New to the students rights and responsibilities de- Photo by Pavan Sandhu partment is Jon Sarpong, who is settling into his new position of diversity offi cer at the college and university. “We are available as a resource on campus for students with issues relating to sexual orientation, race, religion, and even social status,” he said. Sarpong would like to work with student clubs organizing events connected with diversity and multiculturalism. “Th ere is defi nitely room for more improvement in areas of diversity,” he said. From the Campus Health Centre there is a new program called Leave the Pack Behind. Th e main goal of the program is to reduce and stop students from smoking. It protects non-smokers from second-hand smoke and prevents students from starting s. Th e Sexual Health and Resource Centre will open this year. It’s a place were students can get free advice about sex-related topics. Alex Saul is a student volunteer organizing the program. “It is entirely student run, confi dential and non-judgmental,” said Saul. “It’s much more laid back, you don’t have to make a appointment. Students can call in or drop by and ask questions related to sexual health.” Information is provided on: healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptives, HIV and AIDS, pregnancy options, safer sex and sexuality. When the centre opens, safe sex items and contraceptives will be sold at a cheap price. “Pregnancy tests will be $4,” said Saul. “We will also sell sex toys.” Career and Employment Services has an improved job site this fall. Students and graduates will be able to put out a watch for jobs, and be notifi ed by e-mail of new job postings that match their preference. In addition to the job site a new online Co-curricular Recognition Program will launch in the fall. It is an offi cial record from Durham College and UOIT, acknowledging a student’s involvement in activities while in school. It is a description of the co-curricular activity and the skills they’ve gained from being involved with the activities. Students will be able to print this record and submit it with their resume to prospective employers. “Whether it’s a club involvement, part of a team, orientation leader, a captain, it looks at not only the involvement but also the leadership opportunities that you’ve taken advantage of,” said Blackburn. Th ink about your future By Pavan Sandhu Chronicle Staff Students looking to expand their prospects on employment and education are welcome to attend the Career and Education Fair. It will take place on Oct. 24, 11a.m. to 3 p.m. in the gym. It is a place for Durham College and UOIT students to connect with employers for part-time and fulltime jobs as well as co-ops, internships and summer jobs. Th e fair off ers students a chance to network and fi nd out more about the industry. Students planning on attending should be well prepared. Th ey should keep their resume and cover letter updated. An open resume clinic will be held Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon in the SW corridor and in the afternoon from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. in UA east atrium. Students are advised to plan ahead and make a good impression. Students should also bring their ID. To fi nd a list of organizations attending, or for more information students can log on to the career and education fair website Info sessions for prospective students By Alicia MacDonald Chronicle Staff Durham College hosts the annual open house and college information program on Th ursday, Oct. 26 and Friday, Oct. 27 for students, parents, teachers and community members. Th is event will be held in the gymnasium at the Oshawa campus from 6 to 9 p.m. on Th ursday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. Potential students looking to do research on postsecondary education will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives from approximately 25 diff erent colleges. Students looking for information about Durham College programs and services will fi nd faculty and student support services offi cers who can help. Tours will be available. UOIT will also have representatives available. Th e Whitby campus open house will be on Th ursday, Nov. 2.
Aid for students By Alicia MacDonald Chronicle Staff Education bills can add up quickly, but students shouldn’t panic as the Financial Aid and Awards offi ce and local bank branches can provide solutions to ease fi nancial pain. “All of my fi nancial aid offi cers are student advocates,” said Chris Rocha, director of Financial Aid and Awards. She takes pride in off ering quality service and support and wants students to know that the fi - nancial aid offi ce is there to help those in need. Students looking for a way to pay the bills can apply for the government’s fi nancial aid loan program known as OSAP. Students will be assessed based on things like cost of the program, family resources and how many family members are in post-secondary education. While students are in school full time they won’t be charged interest on the loan, and repayment does not begin until six months after leaving school. Applications for OSAP are available in the fi nancial aid offi ce and those requiring assistance with the application can talk to any fi nancial aid offi cer. Rocha understands that for many students it’s their fi rst time having to manage their own debts and that they may need help. Financial aid offi cers can assist with budget counselling, off ering money management tips and directing students to diff erent awards and bursaries. Students may also apply for the work study program, which off ers opportunities to work on campus, rather than accumulating debt. Students can fi nd the application for work study on mycampus and those approved will be notifi ed via email. Job opportunities are also posted on mycampus, with an hourly wage of $10. “We support on average at Durham College about 90 work study positions,” said Rocha. “It’s institutional funding for students that have a shortfall above their own resources,” she said. Financial aid offi cers look at whether the student has applied for OSAP,. Students can apply for this bursary at any time, however, Rocha suggests applying earlier in the year. “Students should not be embarrassed to come in if they have a fi nancial need,” said Rocha. “We’re here to help students. Th at’s our goal.” A line of credit can also help. Banks will lend students money while they are in school, ranging from $5,000 a year to $8,000 a year. CIBC has $40,000 available for students who need help with education costs. TD Canada off ers full-time students up to $8,000 a year for four years, to a maximum of $32,000.. Royal Bank’s line of credit for students off ers students up to $5,000 per year for undergrads. The Chronicle October 3, 2006 7 CAMPUS NEWS Working towards success Striving to further education By Amanda Gauthier Chronicle Staff Classes have begun, assignments have been given, and students struggling with writing skills can now receive qualifi ed assistance, as the newly developed Peer Writing Tutor Program is available for everyone. After speaking with faculty from other schools such as Seneca College and Guelph University, Liesje deBurger, writing specialist, felt a need to help students learn from other students. “Phenomenal learning happens from peers,” she said. In 2005, deBurger spoke with students, organized a focus group and developed a proposal to present to Durham College and University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Th e idea to help students with their writing skills was pitched to the advisory group and DC’s vice-president of student aff airs, and thus, the Peer Writing Tutor Program was born. Th e program “allows us too expand our services and provides students with an opportunity for greater access from peers,” said de- Burger. In its fi rst year of operation, the program includes fi ve university students, referred by previous professors, with a B-plus average. Students receive training from deBurger, who has a masters degree in education and has taught communications for 19 years. Th ey must attend all training workshops and attend a student consultation. Once the students have completed the 24-hour training process, and have submitted a written piece to deBurger for analysis, they are able to tutor both college and university students who require assistance with their writing. Essay writing, research development, formatting and other writing challenges are the main focuses of the Peer Writing Tutor Program. Th e tutors are trained to deal with all writing skills, providing a student from any program the chance to receive assistance. Th e tutors, as well as deBurger, are available to assist students with any writing problems, but the clients are responsible for their own work. Th e tutor will sit down with the client and discuss where she is having diffi culty in particular. Students are asked the question: what area are you challenged by? Th e tutor will then break down the problems and work on how to enhance the student’s skills. “It’s not an editing or proofreading service,” said deBurger. “I think that’s something people need to realize. It’s more of Photo by Amanda Gauthier WORKING TOWARDS SUCCESS: Julie and Liesje deBurger, writing specialist for the newly developed Peer Writing Tutor Program, work together in a journey to further education. ‘ an instruction.” Th e program is based on volunteers who want to help struggling students. Since the tutors are students themselves, ’ it helps to create a more open learn- Liesje deBurger ing environment and makes the client feel more comfortable. Th e positive atmosphere surrounding the Peer Writing Tutor Program makes it diffi cult for students to come out of a session with- You’re supporting what they’ve done in the classroom, supporting the development. It’s supporting the learning. out having learned a great deal. “You are working with them,” deBurger said. “You’re supporting what they’ve done in the classroom, supporting the development. It’s supporting the learning.” Having taught communications at Durham College, UOIT, Trent University and Brock University, de- Burger enjoys her career and plans on making the program part of DC and UOIT for years to come. With a tentative date of January 2007, an online service will be available. Th is will allow students having diffi culty with an assignment to go online at any time and receive the required help. To learn more about the Peer Writing Tutor Program, information is available in the Learning Support Centre and on the DC and UOIT websites.
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